Hello, As an author, illustrator, designer, and publisher, I have a lot of jobs. But beyond all of those, the best part of my career is getting the opportunity to share what I know and inspire students of all ages to create books of their own. From kindergarteners to high schoolers, I love visiting schools to help get children excited about reading, writing and drawing. Plus, I also bring a giant wooden crate with a monster in it. :)

Doug Berky has been creating and evolving his own brand of physical theater for over thirty years. His performances weave together classic theatre forms of mime, mask theatre, circus arts, physical comedy and storytelling.  Doug is also known internationally for his mask construction. He designs and constructs the masks for his own performances as well as creates all of the sets, choreography, scripts and many of the costumes. Doug tours two family and school shows.  "No Show” and "Gems: The World's Wisdom Stories”.  - Curriculum Areas:  world cultures and traditions; folklore, literature, visual arts, physical fitness, communication - Weblink:  http://loydartists.com/roster/f/c/47 AND https://www.dougberkytheatre.com TEACHING PERFORMANCES "Gems: The World's Wisdom Stories" -  Pre K - 6th & Family - Video Link: https://youtu.be/iuvgqz6m72M - Study Guide - in addition to the study guide for "No Show" : http://loydartists.com/images/resources/DougBerkysGemsSG.pdf Doug Berky uses classic styles of storytelling from many cultures including masks, mime, puppetry and the power of a good story to introduce this collection of wisdom stories from around the world. All people seek to understand the world, to live in peace, to deal justly with one another.  These stories of hope, peace, freedom and justice will inspire while introducing students to literature from other cultures including Greece, India, Native America, and tales from Europe and South America. Doug has three versions of this production for the different age groups including a preschool version to help introduce young students to masks and stories. "No Show" -  K-College and Family - Video Link:  https://youtu.be/qOtjtqvLUAA - Study Guide:  http://loydartists.com/images/resources/MainStudyGuide.pdf A performance has been scheduled, but the actor fails to show. Or does he?  What will happen when a lone spectator finds himself unwittingly on stage?  Doug is transformed into several characters ranging from a gorilla to a ballerina as he explores the props and masks on stage. Students experience a variety of theatre forms: mime, mask theater, circus arts, and storytelling. The performance pieces vary in length, characters, and subject depending on the age of the audience. RESIDENCIES AND WORKSHOPS - Doug has specifically designed residencies of one day to three weeks for elementary to college students and for theater students and professionals including: Mask Making • Mask Theater Technique • Mime • Physical Theater and Comedy • Commedia Del Arte Workshops in communications, movement, cooperation, healing & humor are available for elementary students to adults. Community workshops are also available. ? STUDENT WORKSHOP: "Exploring Communication and Cooperation with Mask and Physical Theatre" - Doug conducts versions of this 45-60 minute interactive workshop for elementary to high school students. Students learn and practice skills in better cooperation and communication by exploring how we "talk to each other through body language." Students engage in movement and character development and experience mask theater and mime. Younger elementary students will participate in physical theater games that encourage cooperation, following directions, communication, and movement. Older elementary, middle and high school school students explore more subtle movements and communication through techniques from mask theater and mime.? STUDENT RESIDENCY: "Give It A Facelift: Unmasking Literature With Mask Theatre" - Five-day residency for elementary and middle school students. Imaginative literature (stories, folktales, myths), its context and content, can be creatively opened to students using the theatre disciplines of mask, mime, and storytelling. Each class will select an international folktale, myth, or story. After learning about the culture, context, story, and characters, the students will create their own presentation of their selection using these theatre arts. Theatre and mask artist Doug Berky will guide students in this creative process. TEACHER WORKSHOP: "Building Concentration and Creativity Through Mask Theater" - This movement workshop uses Creative Dramatics to teach skills in observation, creativity, improvisation, cooperation, and concentration. Doug uses mask theater techniques and a collection of masks within this workshop to teach both the art form and demonstrate how masks can be used to teach these skills. Teachers will receive instruction and simple templates they can use to make masks with students.

Clearwater offers a variety of Hudson River-based environmental education programs. Our signature program is the "Sailing Classroom" aboard the Sloop Clearwater which has become a model for onboard education programs across the country. Clearwater also offers a variety of onshore programming along the Hudson River in our "Tideline" program as well as in-class programming during which we bring a bit of the Hudson River to you. Clearwater's interactive education programs provide hands-on learning to engage students and promote "learning by doing." These programs can be catered to various ages and specialized to meet the needs of the students and teachers.

Jeff Boyer's Big Bubble Bonanza Bubble rainbows with people inside, audience members making volcano bubbles, gigantic bubbles that blow their own bubbles? See the newest, funniest, zany spectacular from world-famous, Guinness Book of World Records-holding, master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer, as he takes bubbles to the max with big bubble flair. Mixing comedy, music, this highly interactive, sensory friendly bubble show meets next generation science standards grades PK-6. Jeff engages and delights audiences of all ages. Fun With Energy The science of energy is as fun as it gets! Jeff Boyer shows kids that energy is what makes our world work, through carefully laid out activities illustrating the laws and forces which govern the world around us. Jeff takes audiences on an exciting energy filled ride they’ll always remember. He brings kids right up on stage for interactive demonstrations that entertain and amaze! Meets Next Generation Science Standards Grades K-5

Go BIG AIR BMX Show features top professional athletes performing an unforgettable LIVE 40-minute Big Air Stunt Show. This exciting show is witnessed by over 600 schools per year, and includes powerful positive motivational messages delivered by the influencer/athletes in a way that resonates with students of all ages. Themes can include Anti-bullying, Character education, Motivation, Kindness and Respect and many more options. Our company has been in business for nearly 30 years so you can expect a professional experience from booking to delivery of your assembly, a kid favorite for decades. Don't miss out on this limited opportunity to have incredible high-flying stunts that will wow the kids along with high-energy, motivational messages they will never forget.

“Stand Up for Your Greatness!” In this inspirational program, Ed Gerety shares with his audience specific strategies, principles, and techniques to be resilient, embrace change, achieve goals, and step up as a leader. The social and emotional needs of students today are more important than ever. Ed delivers a powerful message that connects with the hearts and minds of his audience. He reminds students of the importance of taking care of themselves, taking care of one another, standing up for their greatness, and for the greatness of others. Areas of Focus in this assembly program include: • The power of respect and responsibility • The impact and consequences of our choices and decisions • The issues of bullying and peer pressure • Appreciation for our abilities and the people in our life • The courage to believe in oneself • The power we have to reach out and make a difference Ed speaks in the education industry specifically at middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, and conferences. His primary audiences include students, teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, and student-athletes. For 30 years Ed has spoken on character education topics that build and support a positive and inclusive school climate. His expertise is in teaching the skills that teens and young adults need to develop to become leaders in school and in life. Ed’s longevity as a paid-professional speaker is rooted in the excellence he brings to the platform, the relationships he forms with his clients, and the results produced in positive outcomes measured by schools. Clients say that there is authenticity and vulnerability in his presentations that distinguishes him from other speakers.

Animal Adventure Park Interactive, Educational Animal Experience Grades: K–12 Length of Program: 2–3 hours ---------------------------------------------- Get Outside! Get Wild! Go on an Animal Adventure! Experience over 300 birds and animals, representing over 100 species; while embarking on your self-guided adventure throughout the well laid out and kept grounds of the park! Our collection is housed by geographical region, with all exhibits boasting educational and informative signage about each species. Our interactive exhibition concept allows our guests to get up close and hands on, feeding hundreds of our animal ambassadors, and allowing you to get within feet of our less cuddly carnivores! Groups are welcome to bring bag lunches to enjoy during the stay in our large Base Camp Pavilion! Upon submitting your reservation request via our website, a confirmation “things to know” email will be sent to you within 48 hours, containing all information for your visit with us! Get out of your classroom and join us in ours! This performance supports the following NYS Learning Standards: English Language Arts Common Core Learning Standards: • Vocabulary Acquisition and Use Science and Engineering Practices • Asking questions • Analyzing and interpreting data • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information Categories: Animals & Environment; Science Costs: July 1 - Aug 31 2026 (group min. 25 guests) $14 / Guest $3 / Souvenir Feed Cup Sept 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 $14 / Student ages 3 - 18 (includes souvenir feed cup) $14 / Chaperone (souvenir feed cup not included) $3 / additional Souvenir Feed Cup

School Assembly: First Choice & A Second Chance This program begins with an introduction video aimed at knocking down the stigma attached to substance use disorder, educating the audience on the current drug epidemic, and setting the stage for a powerful, honest and heartfelt story. During interviews with Stephen’s family, it becomes clear he had a great childhood. “No one saw this coming.” Through sharing his lived experience, Stephen shows how mental health struggles can lead to addiction, the consequences of substance use, and how stigma prevented him from asking for help and contributed to his inability to recover. His storytelling technique allows each individual person to draw conclusions in their own meaningful way as it relates to their own life. By focusing on the progression of his dependence—beginning to end—attendees will gain a better understanding of how the choices they make today will affect them, and those around them, for the rest of their lives. The trifecta gateway drugs of nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana introduced to Stephen in 8th grade by older peers was just the beginning, eventually leading to self-destructive behaviors, criminal convictions, and a deadly opioid addiction that Stephen directly states he would have never made it out alive if fentanyl was as prevalent during his addiction as it is today. He takes you through his struggles and extremely difficult times, then slowly transitions into sobriety—emphasizing that recovery is possible. Through practicing gratitude, healthy routines, and changing his mindset to view his challenges as opportunities to inspire others, profound changes began to happen in Stephen’s life. The pivotal moment occurred just before he celebrated one year of recovery. Stephen was given a second chance to turn his mess into a message by working in the field of addiction treatment and prevention. From there, he gained the confidence to share his story, go back to college and eventually law school. Today, he speaks all across the country to inspire others to lead healthy, substance-free lives. Attendees will leave this program better educated on mental health and substance use, with practical tools and coping skills to work through challenges, a better understanding of the ripple effect—how our actions influence and impact others, and with a goal-oriented mindset to build a life worth protecting. Breakout Sessions: Break the Silence As a follow-up to the assembly, breakout sessions build on Stephen’s talk and focus on reinforcing key concepts. These sessions offer students a unique chance to ask personal questions and engage in open discussions in a comfortable, intimate setting. Each session delves deeper into the most crucial topics covered in the assembly, allowing students to ask relevant questions and share their takeaways. Typically held in Health and PE classes, these sessions can be tailored to specific grades or customized schedules. Stephen’s Breakout Session worksheet allows students to submit anonymous responses, fostering honesty and openness. The anonymous data collected offers critical insights for schools, helping them identify areas where further support or follow-up might be necessary. Additionally, these insights can be used to reinforce the positive takeaways from Stephen's message throughout the school year, ensuring that the impact of the sessions continues to resonate with students long after the program concludes. Assembly/Workshop: Know the Law, Save a Life An interactive program educating high school seniors on laws related to drugs and alcohol, as well as the legal and moral consequences of their actions. Stephen begins by qualifying himself through sharing his experience on both sides of the law, both as a defendant during his struggles with substance use and now as a defense attorney in recovery. Students learn basic courtroom terms, criminal laws, civil laws, and the potential penalties and liability that can follow from breaking these laws. Stephen gives fact patterns with real life scenarios so students can see how these laws play out in situations young people are faced with everyday. Some of the laws covered are the Good Samaritan Law, DWI/DUI & Zero Tolerance, Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Deaths, Social Host Liability, Providing Alcohol to Minors, Fake IDs, Hazing, Affirmative Consent to Sexual Activity, and Defamation of Character. Stephen also covers fentanyl and the misperception of harm due to the legalization of marijuana. Professional Development: Transforming Youth Discipline & Justice with Restorative Practices Transforming school discipline and criminal justice policies from punitive to restorative practices for youth struggling with substance use disorder not only saves lives—it builds lives worth defending. School administrators and law enforcement face significant challenges to find the most effective response when a young person—anyone under the age of 25—breaks the law or violates a code of conduct for drugs and alcohol. Stephen Hill brings extensive personal and professional experience on this topic. His unique perspective comes from his work as a criminal defense attorney with a focus on drug and alcohol related offenses, recovery coach, and youth motivational speaker. His work was inspired by his own adverse childhood experiences—out-of-school suspensions, removal from school sports teams, felony convictions—the labels and stigma that came with it, and the trauma that followed. We often hear administrators and law enforcement, when faced with an individual who violated the law or code of conduct, must make decisions by balancing the best interests of the individual and the community. Stephen’s training helps people recognize how the best interests of individual offenders and communities align more than most people think. Through sharing his personal testimony and advocacy work today, Stephen reveals innovative solutions for schools and communities to develop systems to achieve better outcomes for young people facing behavioral and/or criminal justice challenges because of substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder. At the end of this session participants will be able to: Recognize situations, when dealing with youth discipline and justice, that require restorative practices to achieve better outcomes Explain why punishment is not effective for specific or general deterrence for youth struggling with substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder Communicate the ideology and evidence behind restorative practices—particularly for youth—so more people in their community can understand and support restorative practices Develop systems and procedures for youth discipline and justice that add more protective factors rather than removing them with strictly punitive measures

Airigami is, at its heart, a team of artists who create large-scale installations, illustrations, and experiences entirely out of balloons—from small single sculptures and STEAM programs to stadium-sized, record-breaking installations. The common element in all our work: Attention-grabbing wonder. Our clients come to us for all kinds of projects. Airigami has built a range of inspiring programs around balloons that’s educational and unforgettable. We’ve worked with organizations of many types all around the world. Our displays can interpret important cultural touchstones like famous masterpieces and historic environments that inspire. Balloon sculptures can invigorate curiosity about familiar subjects. Balloons can even serve as the center of powerful team-building exercises. * How to Catch a Mouse: Simple Machines at Work While working on his master’s degree in elementary education, Airigami partner Larry Moss created How to Catch a Mouse as a presentation for grade-schoolers. The response to the first performance was so strong, he developed it for larger audiences. The show combines math, science, art and fun. Balloons are used to construct a Rube Goldberg-style mousetrap intended to solve the problem of a mouse on the loose. Student volunteers are invited to participate in building the working machine. It’s a dynamic way to teach kids how machines work and inspire them to eagerly set the trap in motion for themselves. The show is ideal for elementary school assembly programs and children’s museums. * Bubble Mural™ Designed by the experts at Airigami, this hands-on exhibit engages visitors in a collaborative project that offers maximum impact with minimal mess. Participants work together to construct a 2-D installation made entirely of biodegradable latex balloons. * Team Building Airigami’s Team Building program is designed to foster cooperation among participants—rather than competition. And the best part is, everyone who joins in starts at the same level: square one.

Andre Chevalier offers various music based school assemblies on the topics of Anti-Bullying/Character Building, Mindfulness, Reading Celebration Show and a Multicultural assembly. From start to finish Andre will have your students engaged by utilizing lines of inquiry, storytelling and interactive songs to deliver the theme of the assembly. Andre's music styles range from Rock to Blues to Reggae to Folk and will have your Kindergarten through Eighth Grade classes up and moving. He specializes in working with Elementary aged children and has worked with educators to make sure his connection to curriculum is spot on. Andre was born and raised in Glens Falls NY and graduated from Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe where he earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Sustainability with a focus on music and education. Having recently moved back to the North Country, Andre has been traveling the west coast performing his assemblies in cities from San Diego to Seattle.

French Mountain Studios brings a mobile casting lab directly to your school with The Crucible: SPARK — a single-day, hands-on metalcasting workshop for up to 60 students. Students design and carve original relief tiles in pre-rammed sand molds and watch their work come to life in a live metal pour using an environmentally friendly furnace. Every student leaves with a cast metal tile they made themselves — or the class can choose to have their work installed as a permanent sculptural installation at their school. No prior experience needed. SPARK connects visual arts, materials science, and industrial process in a way no classroom can replicate. Available M/W/F and Saturdays. Serves grades K–12.

Bash the Trash (BTT) is a performing/educational ensemble that shows students how to build musical instruments from reused and repurposed materials, while making connections to science, culture and the environment. For over 35 years BTT has been offering in-person performances, workshops and professional development in the NYC/Hudson Valley/Long Island region; and amazing hands-on virtual programs for communities in New York State beyond our travel range. We reach about 60,000 students a year with in-person programs like “Sustainable Sounds”, “Trashaganza”, and our climate change show “Too Much Heat”. We have 30+ virtual programs to choose from our page on the Center for Interactive Learning site here, including programs about Latin American percussion, Native American storytelling and poetry, musical instrument spotlights (like steelpan drums, xylophones and bucket drums), as well as other great programs for April - Earth Day Month! In-person Programming: Hudson Valley Long Island New York City We're flexible, contact us to discuss! Virtual Programming: All other regions